Malice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A doctor with a god complex, a wife who wants money, and a husband who just wants a baby get tangled in a web of deception and medical malpractice so twisted it makes a pretzel look straight.

🍿 Malice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Initial Conflicts

Andy Safian, a college dean, and his wife Tracy, a schoolteacher, are trying to start a family in a quiet New England town. Their lives are disrupted by two major events: a series of rapes on campus and the arrival of Dr. Jed Hill, a charismatic surgeon and Andy’s former high school classmate. Jed moves in with Andy and Tracy, creating tension and unease.

Medical Crisis and Malpractice Suit

Tracy experiences severe abdominal pain and is rushed to the hospital, where Jed performs emergency surgery, removing her ovaries due to a supposed complication. This renders her infertile, devastating her and Andy. Subsequently, Tracy sues Jed for malpractice, leading to a high-profile legal battle and further straining her relationship with Andy.

Unraveling the Truth

As the lawsuit progresses, Andy discovers he is sterile and uncovers inconsistencies in Tracy’s past. He suspects foul play and begins investigating Tracy and Jed’s relationship. This leads him to Tracy’s estranged mother and a web of lies and deceit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jed (Alec Baldwin): A highly skilled but arrogant surgeon with a ‘God complex’ who becomes entangled in a web of deceit.
• Tracy (Nicole Kidman): A complex and manipulative woman whose desire for motherhood leads her down a dark path.
• Andy (Bill Pullman): A mild-mannered college dean who is betrayed by those closest to him.
• Dana (Bebe Neuwirth): A detective investigating a series of crimes who becomes suspicious of the main characters.
• Ms. Kennsinger (Anne Bancroft): Tracy’s alcoholic mother, who reveals key information about her daughter’s past.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jed: “I have an M.D. from Harvard, I am board certified in cardio-thoracic medicine and trauma surgery, I have been awarded citations from seven different medical boards in New England, and I am never, ever sick at sea. So I ask you; when someone goes into that chapel and they fall on their knees and they pray to God that their wife doesn’t miscarry or that their daughter doesn’t bleed to death or that their mother doesn’t suffer acute neural trama from postoperative shock, who do you think they’re praying to?” – During his deposition, Jed delivers this memorable monologue, showcasing his immense ego and justifying his actions.
• Jed: “You ask me if I have a God complex. Let me tell you something: I am God.” – This is the climax of Jed’s deposition speech, underlining his arrogance and belief in his own infallibility.
• Tracy’s Mother: “Because when money is involved, you take me seriously.” – Tracy’s mother says this, highlighting the cynical and transactional nature of relationships in the film.
• Tracy’s Mother: “Welcome to the club.” – Tracy’s mother cryptically says this to Andy, hinting at the larger conspiracy and manipulations at play.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $46,405,336
• Worldwide Gross: $46,405,336

💥 Malice Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Malice’ for the first time and being completely taken by surprise. Alec Baldwin’s performance as Dr. Jed Hill is magnetic and terrifying, and Nicole Kidman plays her role with such a nuanced intensity. The twists kept me guessing until the very end. The ‘God complex’ speech still gives me chills, this is a must-watch if you love thrillers with dark twists and turns!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy twist-filled plots”
  • “Fans of Alec Baldwin, Nicole Kidman, and Bill Pullman”
  • “Those interested in medical dramas and legal thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Medical malpractice themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Malice delivers suspense and intrigue, but ultimately suffers from improbable plot twists. Despite its flaws, it’s a compelling thriller with strong performances, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
• Variety: “Harold Becker directs Malice with a sure hand, drawing fine performances from his lead actors. The script provides smart dialogue and surprises, even if some subplots feel unnecessary.

Audience Reactions

Alec Baldwin’s ‘God complex’ speech is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers are consistently impressed by the film’s unpredictable plot twists and suspenseful atmosphere.

The performances by the lead actors make the movie a thrilling watch.: Most audiences praise the strong acting, especially Alec Baldwin and Nicole Kidman.

Overall Consensus: Malice is a twisty thriller with strong performances, particularly from Alec Baldwin and Nicole Kidman. While some find the plot convoluted, most agree it’s an engaging and suspenseful watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Aaron Sorkin has stated that he rewrote the ending of the film because he was dissatisfied with the original.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, adding to the film’s authentic New England setting.”
• “The film’s plot was considered controversial for its depiction of medical malpractice and complex characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch Malice?

Malice is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Malice, you might like these similar films:

• Basic Instinct (1992): Features a complex, seductive female character involved in a murder mystery, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing.
• Presumed Innocent (1990): A man is accused of a crime he may or may not have committed, with legal and personal secrets being revealed during the investigation.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Explores the dangerous consequences of infidelity and obsession, with a suspenseful and thrilling narrative.
• Gone Girl (2014): A modern thriller with a manipulative female character and shocking plot twists that challenge the audience’s expectations.

🛒 Malice Related Products

• Malice (Blu-ray): Experience the suspense of ‘Malice’ in high definition. Blu-ray offers enhanced picture and sound quality, bringing out the film’s dark atmosphere and thrilling moments.
• Alec Baldwin: Nevertheless: A Memoir: Explore the life and career of Alec Baldwin, including insights into his memorable roles. This memoir offers a glimpse into the actor’s journey and experiences in Hollywood.
• Nicole Kidman: A Life in Pictures: A photographic celebration of Nicole Kidman’s illustrious career, capturing her versatility and beauty on and off-screen.
• Medical Thriller Novel Collection: A curated selection of medical thrillers that explore themes of malpractice, deception, and suspense, similar to ‘Malice’. Explore twisted plots and moral dilemmas.

🎧 Soundtrack

Malice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mama Told Me Not to Come” – performed by The Wolfgang Press

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

God Complex

Ever wondered what a ‘God Complex’ looks like on screen? This scene from Malice, with a young Alec Baldwin, totally nails it. It’s intense and thought-provoking, you won’t regret watching!

Malice (1993) “I AM GOD!” monologue by Alec Baldwin scene

Okay, hands down, Alec Baldwin’s “I AM GOD!” monologue in Malice is legendary. It’s captivating, intense, and kinda makes you question everything. Seriously, check it out, it’s movie gold!

Anne Bancroft in Malice

Don’t forget about Anne Bancroft’s role in Malice! This clip highlights her talent and the depth she brought to the film. Definitely worth a watch to appreciate the full cast’s performance!

✨ Rate